Acacia difficilis

Maiden

Fabaceae

Classification of the genus Acacia (in the wider sense) has been subject to considerable debate. It is generally agreed that there are valid reasons for breaking it up into several distinct genera, but there has been disagreement over the way this should be done. As of 2017, it is widely (but not completely) accepted that the section that includes the majority of the Australian species (including this one) should retain the name Acacia, whilst other sections of the genus should be transferred to the genera Acaciella, Mariosousa, Senegalia and Vachellia[

The full information from the Flora of Australia - on-line. An excellent resource.

].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

The seed of many Acacia species, including this one, is edible and highly nutritious, and can be eaten safely as a fairly major part of the diet. Not all species are edible, however, and some can contain moderate levels of toxins[

Range

Habitat

An understorey species in open-forest and woodland dominated by eucalypts, also in low open-woodland and in open-scrub, usually in sandy or gravelly soils, often near creeks; at elevations up to 200 metres[

Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available.

].

Properties

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Other Uses Rating

Habit

Tree

Height

7.00 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Pollinators

Insects

Cultivation Status

Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Acacia difficilis is a plant of semi-arid to moist tropical climates in northern Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 200 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 35°c, but can tolerate 13 - 42°c[

Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available.

].
A fast-growing tree (sometimes more than 2 metres a year when young) with a moderate life-span of 10 - 50 years. It produces seed heavily early in its life - flowering can commence before the tree is 12 months old[

Australian Trees and Shrubs: Species for Land Rehabilitation and Farm Planting in the Tropics

Publication

Author

Doran J.C.; Turnbull J.W. (Editors)

Publisher

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research; Canbe

Year

1997

ISBN

1-86320-127-0

Description

A very informative book, rich in information about the uses, cultivation needs and very much more for over 160 species of Australian trees and shrubs.

].
The seeds of most acacia species can be quickly and efficiently harvested at full maturity without the need for any specialised equipment. Small seed-bearing branches can be cut and beaten on sheets, or bushes can be beaten or shaken directly onto large sheets[

Australian Trees and Shrubs: Species for Land Rehabilitation and Farm Planting in the Tropics

Publication

Author

Doran J.C.; Turnbull J.W. (Editors)

Publisher

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research; Canbe

Year

1997

ISBN

1-86320-127-0

Description

A very informative book, rich in information about the uses, cultivation needs and very much more for over 160 species of Australian trees and shrubs.

].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[

The full information from the Flora of Australia - on-line. An excellent resource.

].
Acacia seeds are highly nutritious and contain around 26% protein, 26% available carbohydrate, 32% fibre and 9% fat. The fat content is higher than most legumes with the aril providing the bulk of fatty acids present. These fatty acids are largely unsaturated. The energy content is high in all species tested, averaging 1480 ±270 kJ per 100g. The seeds are low glycaemic index foods - the starch is digested and absorbed very slowly, producing a small, but sustained rise in blood glucose and so delaying the onset of exhaustion in prolonged exercise[

Medicinal

The bark of all Acacia species contains greater or lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example. they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, and can also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding. Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to treat wounds and other skin problems, haemorrhoids, perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc[

Australian Trees and Shrubs: Species for Land Rehabilitation and Farm Planting in the Tropics

Publication

Author

Doran J.C.; Turnbull J.W. (Editors)

Publisher

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research; Canbe

Year

1997

ISBN

1-86320-127-0

Description

A very informative book, rich in information about the uses, cultivation needs and very much more for over 160 species of Australian trees and shrubs.

].

Propagation

The seed of most, if not all, members of this genus has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Acacia seeds that have matured fully on the bush and have been properly dried have a hard seed coat and can be stored in closed containers without deterioration for 5 - 10 years or more in dry conditions at ambient temperatures. It is best to remove the aril, which attracts weevils and can lead to moulds forming. The arils are easilyremoved by placing the seeds in water and rubbing them between the hands, then drying the seeds and winnowing them[